BRIGALIA
BAM
Brigalia Ntombemhlope Bam has given strong and wise leadership
in the overthrow of apartheid in South Africa. She has done
pioneering work in the struggle against racism and sexism, both
in South Africa and internationally.
Brigalia
is currently chair of the Independent Electoral Commission. Appointed
by then President Nelson Mandela in February 1999, she expressed a commitment
to “fight for every South African to exercise their right to vote.
Democracy
has to take root in each and every corner of the country,” she said. “We
will work with all organs of civil society, including churches and non-governmental
organisations to build strong strategic partnerships to ensure that every
South African is able to exercise their democratic right to register and
vote in the elections.”
Born
in Transkei, Brigalia was educated in South Africa, Chicago and Geneva,
specializing in teaching, social work, communications and management.
Ms.
Bam has worked as a teacher, health educator, served on several boards
and trusts, and organized 20 international conferences and consultations. She
also lectures, does radio and television interviews, fund-raising projects,
and continues to speak out against sexism.
She is the recipient of
a number of honourary doctorates and awards, from the University of
Durban-Westville, Victoria University (Toronto), and the University
of Transkei.
Brigalia was appointed to the Independent Electoral Commission when it was formed in 1997 and was vice-chair before being asked to become chair. Ms. Bam is a devout Anglican and was deputy and then general secretary of the South African Council of Churches from 1988 to 1998.
Her wisdom, experience and integrity are much in demand as she speaks out in areas such as human rights, development and truth and reconciliation.